Aylin is a bubbly, strong spirited 14-year-old in Year 9 at Cecil Hills High School.
The middle child of Bill and Elvan Bektas, Aylin was born with Angelman Syndrome, Cerebral Palsy and Epilepsy.
Angelman Syndrome is a genetic condition that occurs in children with a missing or faulty chromosome 15.
“Aylin was diagnosed with Angelman Syndrome when she was just one year old,” said Elvan.
“Aylin was not hitting the milestones of a normal one year old, so we had some genetic testing done and when we found out we were just so surprised. We didn’t expect the diagnosis to be this big or this life changing.”
“We went through an emotional rollercoaster. We didn’t know where to start or who to reach out to. It took us several years to find out feet and run.”
Aylin is intellectually and physically disabled which means she uses a wheelchair and is non-verbal, using pictures to communicate with her parents and two brothers.
“Today, our life consists of a lot of therapy and a lot of planning ahead for how we are going to go places and do things to best suit Aylin.”
Aylin has been a student at Cecil Hills since Year 7 and mum Elvan says the school provides a wonderful, inclusive environment.
“I love the school. I love how nothing is ever a mission for them, they will always do their best to involve all of the students from the Support Unit in every activity. The teachers have very caring souls and they help show all of the students in the mainstream classes how to treat kids like Aylin – in turn this opens their minds and encourages them to think about things a little differently.”
The school receiving a new Variety Sunshine Coach with a wheelchair lift will mean that Aylin will never miss out on excursions or being able to access the community like her peers.
“It’s so exciting. She will be able to travel outside the school to take part in events like the athletics carnival or go out to a bowling activity and share in the same experiences as all the other students,” said Elvan.
Elvan thanked Variety and Woolworths customers for the new coach.
“As a parent, I really appreciate it. A brand-new coach like that with all those modifications is not cheap. It’s nice to know the community can come together to make a difference for children like Aylin.”
“It shows me that there are people out there with beautiful hearts who are willing to put their hand into their pocket and help us out.”
